Proper equipment maintenance helps keep your machines running smoother, longer.
Industrial cleaning equipment is a valuable investment for your facility. They make it possible to maintain high standards of cleanliness with less time and effort. However, the purchase of cleaning equipment is a significant expense. That means it’s in your best interest to make sure your equipment can withstand the test of time.
A little extra time caring for your equipment up front can help you protect your investment. It can help you reduce costs and increase productivity for years to come.
Take your machine in for preventative maintenance and keep records of it
Preventative Maintenance (PM) is a planned tune-up of your equipment. PM is designed to keep you ahead of the game when it comes to maintenance activity. Aside from improving the life of your equipment, keeping a consistent PM schedule can help you avoid unplanned maintenance. Doing so can eliminate downtime and allow you to keep your service costs more predictable.
When taking your equipment in for PM, you can expect service technicians to perform a complete and in-depth review. Technicians will conduct a multi-point inspection, identify problem areas, and keep you informed about potential future issues. The frequency of PM can vary greatly depending on the type equipment being serviced.
A good PM program should include:
- Testing
- Regular inspections
- Preplanned maintenance activities
- Maintenance to correct deficiencies found through testing or inspections
KSS Parts & Service Department offers customizable PM programs to fit your service needs. Visit our Service Department webpage to learn more. Or call 269.349.6637 to speak to a KSS Service representative today.
Establish a general inspection routine and stick to it
Pick one day of the week to give each piece of equipment a brief check-up.
Inspect the condition of brushes and squeegees. Clear any debris or blockages from hoses, fan screens, and filters. Check electrolyte levels in your batteries. Clean any noticeable corrosion from battery terminals. Inspect your machine for overall cleanliness. Ensure that any brushes, belts, and other moving parts are moving freely.
Finally, keep track of these weekly inspections using a log book. Take note of any inconsistencies or potential issues. This information can help you predict when you’ll need to take your equipment in for professional maintenance. Doing so will help you plan for downtime and predict service costs.
Keep employees up-to-date with training
Create an environment that encourages employees to take an active interest in caring for the equipment they use on a regular basis. In most cases, just a little bit of extra training is required to perform regular upkeep necessary to extend the life of cleaning equipment. With a simple, brief examination of the equipment before each use, employees can play an active role in extending the life of the equipment they use.
Open communication with employees is the key to catching problems early. Talk to employees about the health of their machines and ask questions, otherwise issues could continue to go unnoticed and cause further damage.
Store your equipment properly
When equipment isn’t stored properly, it’s all too easy for parts to become lost or damaged. Establish a place and procedure for storing your equipment, and hold employees accountable to it.
As a general rule of thumb, cleaning equipment should not be stored in extreme hot or cold temperatures, especially if battery-operated. Storage areas should be cleaned regularly and set up with a specific place for each piece of equipment. This includes space for hanging brooms and mops, shelves for brushes, and enough space for machines and their accessories.H
